R E F L E C T I O N S

I've read that schools may stop teaching handwriting! Cursive takes more room and is less legible than printing. But it is faster, has a personal style and is easier on the hand. Here is the link for the original blog post:  Thinking About Cursive

I feel handwriting is important for children to learn. It's faster, easier on the hand and has a unique personal style. The more we learn the better. I find it can be relaxing if you write as slowly and as smoothly as you can.  It's just the opposite of  sending a text message with your two thumbs jerking back and forth as if having a seizure.  Abbreviating and using numbers for words ( "2" for two or too or to) is not as precise.  It substitutes speed for spelling and grammar. Here's the blog link: Is Cursive Obsolete? | Seconds

Kaleidoscope: A toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass or paper, whose reflections produce changing patterns that are visible through an eyehole when the tube is rotated. Image via Wikipedia I remember having these as a child.  It was fascinating and magical for me. Try this link.  The images move quickly so be prepared.  If you move your mouse it changes even faster! http://inoyan.narod.ru/kaleidoskop.swf I found this on the"Aging Gratefully" blog http://aginggratefully.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-thought-thursday.html

Here is a site I found with unbelievably expensive pens. You have to have a look. Who can be rich enough to buy one of these pens?  If I was that rich I'd donate my money to help build something useful like a hospital wing. But the ad photos and narrative are fun to watch! Click on the "Historical" pens like: The Houdini has a melt of silver and metal from his keys. The Babe Ruth which has part of one of his bats. The Lindbergh pen cap has a piece of the motor from The Spirit of St.Louis. There are no prices listed.  I guess if you have to ask for the price you can't afford the pen. What a waste of money. Here is the link Krone Pens

A Fantasy For some unknown reason a fantasy about the "Wild West" combined with feelings from The Godfather movies overtook me.  Here are two photos I found which fit in well with this feeling. The Brothers "M": Antonio and Giovanni came from Italy to the Wild West. Armed with their Italian super fast and powerful Berettas, they were no match for anyone who crossed their path. I then did some research on the Italian Beretta handgun: This was the gun used by the SEALS in the recent attack on bin Laden. This is the gun used by James Bond in the 007 movies.  In April of 1985, the Beretta Model 92 beat out the Colt .45 to become the U.S Armed Forces chosen handgun. There is a legend about a SEAL motto: "You're not a SEAL until you taste Italian steel," referring to the Beretta brand's Italian heritage. History: Beretta (Owned by the same family for over 500 years) 16th Century Origins The home of Fabbrica D'Armi Piet...

Image by sarahgb(theoriginal) via Flickr Here is a a link to a short video about reality and spirituality. It got me to thinking about what's really important. The music is soothing and the visual interesting. Let me know what you think. Click on this link:   What is real?

Have you ever noticed how articles listing a number of items are very popular? For example today on MSN.com: "9 Quick Tips to Lower Your Cholesterol" "7 Tips to Keep in Mind Before Paring Up with Another Guest" "9 Foods That Kill Abdominal Fat" "365 Things To Do Before You Die" "10 Off-Road-Ready SUV's" All of these articles are on the first page! For me it's a compulsion to see what's on the list.  I'll never find out if I don't read the article. Take "9 Quick Tips to Lower Your Cholesterol"  How come there are 9 quick ways?  Are the other ways slower?  I know some ways to lower my cholesterol but maybe I should check out the list.  I have to force myself to not look at what's on these lists. After a while it starts to annoy me but when I realize what's happening I have to smile. By the way I lied about having "7" ways in the title of this post.  I thought it would catch ...